Ah need inspiration!

I, Brian · 08-30-2004, 03:51 PM

Main site:
http://www.chronicles-network.net/

Forum:
http://www.chronicles-network.net/forum/index.php

It was set up as a stop-gap - the images are pretty awful and a rush job at that, but I'm no graphic artist.

Thing is, the place "feels" like it needs a redesign - probably needs the tables extending out to fill the screen - width="100%" and all that.

But I have no real idea of how to replace the current design, keep something of the design concept, yet adapt it to a full screen stretch - all in a way that will be forgiving to 56k users.

I'm much too close to this project - I really need some outside inspiration on this one.

How would you change the look without over-complicating or removing all existing identity?

Thoughts invited.

Fusion · 08-30-2004, 03:59 PM

wow if its sci-fi the design should maybe reflect that more.

Fusion · 08-30-2004, 04:01 PM

Needs a more tech feel. If though you're looking purely at 56kers then it needs to be maybe less than 80kb. Harder then to make something look good.

Fusion · 08-30-2004, 04:02 PM

A very functional looking site that brian.

JayM · 08-31-2004, 06:15 AM

lol - nice avatar fusion

That don't half remind me of someone.... lol

Dark_Matter · 08-31-2004, 08:30 AM

cool site but....all of the images are coming up dead links.....is this because you're working on it?

without even seeing the graphics, i think the layout is already pretty simple and effective. I'd say maybe make the site a bit darker since most sci-fi/fantasy fans (me included) like dark scary type stuff.

I like the name chronicles network...maybe a cool logo with CN on it....

Spiral · 08-31-2004, 08:33 AM

I wouldn't suggesting stretching it to 100%, if you do that you'll go from a reasonably attractive site, to an awful looking wall of noise.

Jim · 08-31-2004, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fusion

Needs a more tech feel.

A techy-look could only cover the SF side. There are also fantasy sections there...

I think the site looks good except the images on the header. The reason I like the look is that I only look for information on a site like this. I don't need spaceships, dragons or some lame animated skull gifs all around the place.

Trying another vBulletin skin, maybe a darker one, might help the feel on the forum though.
And I wouldn't go for a 100% stretch either.

Fusion · 08-31-2004, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fusion

Needs a more tech feel.

A techy-look could only cover the SF side. There are also fantasy sections there...

I think the site looks good except the images on the header. The reason I like the look is that I only look for information on a site like this. I don't need spaceships, dragons or some lame animated skull gifs all around the place.

Trying another vBulletin skin, maybe a darker one, might help the feel on the forum though.
And I wouldn't go for a 100% stretch either.

oh yea